Golf glove with gripping aids

ABSTRACT

Generally stated, the present invention provides a glove which can be used in playing the game of golf. In desired arrangements, the glove can include a control-strap which is operatively affixed to the back-side surface of the glove. The control-strap is configured to extend around a handle or grip-end of a golf club, with at least a portion of the control-strap configured to extend along the heel region of the glove and contact a thumb-side surface of the grip-end of the golf club. In other aspects, the glove can include first and second indexing lines which are located on the palm-side surface of the glove and delimit a finger-alignment area therebetween. Additionally, a grip target-region can be operatively designated on the palm-side surface of the glove.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a glove for use in playing the game of golf. More particularly, the present invention pertains to a golf glove which helps the wearer establish and maintain a proper grip on a golf club.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

It has been known and taught by experts in the game of golf that the maintenance of a proper grip on the golf club is important for producing a good swing. A proper gripping of the club handle enables the golfer to control the club head at all times before and during the swing, and also permits freedom of wrist action. A proper grip by the left hand, or by the right hand in the case of left-handed golfers, requires that the club handle be laid along the base of the fingers, and that major pressure be applied by the last three fingers of the hand.

Golf gloves are used by most golfers to provide a firm gripping contact with the club handle. In addition, certain gloves have been designed to aid in the training of the novice golfer in accomplishing the proper grip, or to encourage the proper grip in the more experienced golfer. Conventional golf gloves have included indicia for sighting the region of the glove that extend over or about the knuckles of a golfer's hand. Other golf gloves have included indicia for aligning a golf club along the palm and fingers of the hand. For example, see U.S. Pat. No. 889,397 to O'Shaughnessy, U.S. Pat. No. 5,184,353 to Goldwitz and U.S. Pat. No. 6,363,535 to Landis. Still other golf gloves have included straps which help to position and maintain the golfer's grip about a golf club. For example, see U.S. Pat. No. 5,845,374 to Briggs and U.S. Pat. No. 3,100,302 to Billings.

Conventional golf gloves, however, have not adequately encouraged a desired gripping pressure on a club handle by the wearer. As a result, there has been a continued need for a golf glove which can more reliably direct the wearer toward the preferred placement of the golf club in the glove-hand for a proper grip. Additionally, there has been a continuing need for a relatively low cost golf glove which may be easily used for training or practice play, as well as for tournament play.

SUMMARY

Generally stated, the present invention provides a glove which can be used in playing the game of golf. The golf glove has a palm-side glove material which provides a palm-side surface; a back-side glove material which provides a back-side surface; a thumb portion; a plurality of finger portions; a wrist region; a wrist-opening edge; a heel region; and a knuckle-region. In particular aspects, a control-strap is operatively affixed to the back-side surface of the glove, and the control-strap is configured to extend around a grip-end of a golf club, with at least a portion of the control-strap configured to extend along the heel region of the glove and contact a thumb-side surface of the grip-end of the golf club. Desired arrangements of the glove can further include a first indexing line located on the palm-side surface of the glove, and a second indexing line located on the palm-side surface. The second indexing line is spaced from the first indexing line, and the first and second indexing lines delimit a finger-alignment area therebetween. In a further aspect, the glove can include a grip target-region is operatively designated on the palm-side surface.

The present invention can provide an improved golf glove which encourages an increased gripping pressure on a club handle by the last three fingers of the glove-hand. The golf glove can also quickly indicate to the wearer the desired placement of the golf club in the glove-hand for a proper grip. Additionally, the invention can provide a relatively low cost golf glove which may be easily used as a training glove for practice or recreational play, or used as a standard glove for tournament play.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention will be better understood by reference to the following description of the invention taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein:

FIG. 1 shows a plan view of a palm-side of a representative glove which incorporates the invention.

FIG. 2 shows a partially cut-away, plan view of a back-side of the representative glove which incorporates the invention.

FIG. 3 representatively shows a control strap arranged in a storage position.

FIG. 4 representatively shows a setting of a grip handle of a golf club the across the finger portions and against the base of the heel region of a golf glove worn on a person's left hand.

FIG. 5 representatively shows a golf club gripped in gloved hand.

FIG. 5A representatively shows another view of a golf club gripped in a gloved hand.

FIG. 6 representatively shows a person's left and right hands which have been closed about the grip handle of a golf club.

The invention is not limited in its application to the details of construction or the arrangement of the components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the drawings. The invention is capable of other embodiments or of being practiced or carried out in other various ways. Also, it is to be understood that the terminology and phraseology employed herein is for purpose of description and illustration and should not be regarded as limiting. Like reference numerals are used to indicate like components.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

It should be noted that, when employed in the present disclosure, the terms “comprises”, “comprising” and other derivatives from the root term “comprise” are intended to be open-ended terms that specify the presence of any stated features, elements, integers, steps, or components, and are not intended to preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, elements, integers, steps, components, or groups thereof. It should be appreciated that each of the features or aspects of the glove may be employed alone or in desired combinations. All of the desired arrangements of the various features or aspects are intended to be within the scope of the present invention.

It should also be readily appreciated that gloves, and particularly golf gloves, are well known in the art. Accordingly, the specific techniques and structures for the manufacture of such gloves are well known, and need not be described in detail in the present disclosure. It should be readily apparent that the glove 20 can be constructed in various sizes, as desired, to accommodate individual needs. In addition, it should be readily appreciated that the various parts and components may be assembled and operatively affixed together with any operative securement mechanism or system. For example, the desired attachments or securements can include pins, snaps, staples, rivets, stitches, welds, zippers, adhesive bonds, cohesive bonds, thermal bonds, ultrasonic bonds, or the like, as well as combinations thereof.

Generally stated, the present invention provides a glove which can be used in playing the game of golf. More particularly, the present invention pertains to a golf glove configured to help the wearer establish and maintain a proper grip on a golf club. FIGS. 1, 2 and 3 illustrate a representative example of a golf glove 20, which is configured to incorporate the present invention. The golf glove has a palm-side glove material which provides a palm-side surface 22, and a back-side glove material which provides a back-side surface 24. The glove also has a thumb portion 26, a plurality of finger portions 28, a wrist region 30, and a wrist-opening edge 32. Additionally, the glove includes a heel-region 34, and a knuckle-region 36. In particular features, a control-strap 60 can be operatively affixed to the back-side surface of the glove, and the control-strap 60 can be configured to extend and pass around a grip-end of a golf club. In other features, at least a portion of the control-strap can be configured and appointed to extend along the heel region 34 of the glove and contact a thumb-side surface 92 of the grip-end of the golf club 90 (e.g. FIG. 4). In particular aspects, the glove can further include a first indexing line 40 located on the palm-side surface 22 of the glove, and a second indexing 42 line located on the palm-side surface. The second indexing line is spaced from the first indexing line by a discrete spacing distance. Accordingly, the first and second indexing lines can operatively cooperate to delimit a finger-alignment area 44 therebetween. In another aspect, a grip target-region 50 can be operatively designated on the palm-side surface 22 of the glove.

The features and aspects of the present invention, alone and in desired combinations, can advantageously provide an improved golf glove which encourages an increased gripping pressure on a club handle by the last three fingers of the glove-hand. Typically, the glove-hand is the left hand of a right-handed player, and is the right hand of a left-handed player. The golf glove can quickly remind and guide the wearer regarding the desired placement of the golf club in the glove-hand for a proper grip. Additionally, the invention can provide a relatively low cost golf glove which may be easily used in a training manner for practice or informal recreational play, as well as in a standard manner suitable for tournament play.

The various glove parts and components may be constructed of any operative material, and the employed material can include a composite material. The glove material may include synthetic as well as natural materials, and may include one or more layers of one or more selected materials. For example, the glove material can include a sheet of natural or synthetic leather, a polymer sheet, natural or synthetic fibers, a woven fabric, a nonwoven fabric, perforated layers, net materials, rope materials, cord materials, yarns, threads or the like, as well as combinations thereof. Additionally, it should be readily appreciated that the various components or regions of the glove can be composed of the same, similar or different materials, as desired.

With reference to FIGS. 1, 2 and 3, the golf glove can include a wrist-closure mechanism located operatively adjacent the wrist-opening edge 32 of the glove 20. As representatively shown, the wrist-closure mechanism can include a closure strap 70 having a base-end 74 and a selectively movable free-end 76. The base end is operatively affixed to the back-side of the glove, and the free end includes an operative, closure fastener 72 which can be selectively fastened and unfastened from the back-side surface of the glove. Accordingly, the wearer can readily secure or release the tightness of the glove about the wearer's wrist by selectively releasing the closure fastener, adjusting the position of the free end of the closure strap, and then re-closing the fastener.

The closure fastener can include any operative fastening mechanism, such as adhesives, cohesives, buttons, snaps, zippers or the like, as well as combinations thereof. In a desired arrangement, the closure fastener can include an interengaging mechanical fastener system, having complementary and cooperating fastening components. For example, one of the fastener components can include a hook or other “male” component of the interengaging mechanical fastener system. Any operative hook component may be employed. For example, a suitable hook component material can include a J-hook, mushroom-head hook, flat-top nail-head hook, or the like, as well as combinations thereof. The other complementary fastener component can include a loop or other “female” component 48 of the interengaging mechanical fastener system. Any operative loop component may be employed. For example, a suitable loop component material can include a woven fabric, a knit fabric, a nonwoven fabric, or the like, as well as combinations thereof. Suitable fastening components are available from Velcro, U.S.A., Inc., a business having offices located in Manchester, N.H., U.S.A.

In desired arrangements, the golf glove can also include a fit-adjustment mechanism which is spaced from the wrist-opening edge 32 of the glove, and is located between the wrist-opening edge 32 and the knuckle region 36 of the glove. In a particular aspect, the fit-adjustment mechanism can be located between the wrist-closure mechanism (e.g. closure strap 70) and the knuckle region of the glove.

As representatively shown, the fit-adjustment mechanism can include an adjustment tab or strap member 80, and the adjustment strap member can have an operatively fixed base-end 84 and a selectively movable free-end 86. The adjustment strap base-end is operatively affixed to the back-side of the glove. Additionally, the adjustment strap free-end includes an operative, fit adjustment fastener 82 which can be selectively fastened and unfastened from the back-side surface of the glove. Accordingly, the wearer can readily tighten or loosen the fit of the glove about the wearer's hand by selectively releasing the adjustment fastener, changing the position of the free end of the fit-adjustment strap, and then re-closing the adjustment fastener.

The fit-adjustment fastener can include any operative fastening mechanism. For example, the fastening mechanism can include any of the fastening systems set forth elsewhere in the present disclosure. In a desired arrangement, the closure fastener can include an interengaging mechanical fastener system, having complementary and cooperating fastening components. Suitable fastening components are, for example, available from Velcro, U.S.A., Inc., a business having offices located in Manchester, N.H., U.S.A.

With reference again to FIGS. 1 and 2, the first indexing line 40 is at least visibly discernable on the palm-side surface 22 of the glove 20. Optionally, the first indexing line can be tactilely discernable located on the palm-side surface of the glove. The second indexing line 42 is cooperatively located on the palm-side surface 22 and spaced from the first indexing line 40 by a selected alignment-spacing distance 58. Accordingly, the first and second indexing lines can operatively delimit a finger-alignment area 44 therebetween. In a particular aspect, the second indexing-line 42 can be arranged approximately parallel to the first indexing line 40.

As representatively shown, the alignment-spacing distance 58 is approximately equal to or slightly greater than the diameter of the handle, grip-end region 94 of a conventional golf club 90 (e.g. FIG. 4). For example, the spacing distance 58 can be at least a minimum of about 100% of the diameter/width of the club grip region 94. In a particular aspect, the spacing distance 58 can be up to a maximum of about 120% of the diameter/width of the club grip-end region 94.

The first and second indexing lines 40, 42 can be formed in any operative manner. For example, the indexing lines can be formed by printing, embossing, stitching, perforating or the like, as well as combinations thereof. In desired features, the indexing lines can be provided by a system of stitches employing an operative thread material. As representatively shown, for example, each indexing line can be outlined or otherwise defined by a single stitch, or by a cooperating plurality of non-parallel or generally parallel stitches. Additionally, the stitching can have a level of contrast that is readily visible and discernable on the palm-side surface of the glove. For example, the provided indexing lines can be color-contrasted, with a color and degree of contrast that is readily visible and discernable on the palm-side surface of the glove. In a desired arrangement, the palm-side surface can have a light-tone color (e.g. white, off-white, gray, beige or the like), and the indexing lines 40, 42 can include a red colored stitching.

The grip target-region 50 is at least visibly discernable on the palm-side surface 22 of the glove 20. Optionally, the grip-target region can also be tactilely discernable on the palm-side surface of the glove. In a desired aspect, the grip target-region 50 is non-conjoined with the finger-alignment area 44. Accordingly, the grip target-region 50 is separated from the second indexing line 42 by a discrete target spacing distance 56. In a desired aspect, the target spacing distance 56 can be at least about 0.5 inch (about 1.27 cm).

As representatively shown, the grip target-region 50 can be operatively positioned on the palm-side surface 22 over a target area which extends along and within the heel region 34 of the glove. In a particular aspect, the grip target-region 50 can have a defined target perimeter. In desired aspects, a third, target indexing-line 52 can provide the target perimeter, and the perimeter can be configured to operatively outline and surround the grip target-region 50. While the target region 50 can have any operative outline-shape, the glove can desirably include a target region 50 which is enclosed with a generally circular-shape outline, as representatively shown.

The third indexing line 52 can be formed in any operative manner. For example, the third-indexing line can be formed by any of the techniques for providing indexing lines that are set forth elsewhere in the present disclosure. Accordingly, the configured third indexing line can be color-contrasted, with a color and degree of contrast that is readily visible and discernable on the palm-side surface of the glove. In a desired arrangement, the palm-side surface can have a light-tone color (e.g. white, off-white, beige, gray or the like), and the third indexing line 52 can include a red colored stitching.

With reference to FIGS. 1, 2 and 4, the control-strap 60 can be operatively affixed to the back-side surface 24 of the glove. Additionally, the control-strap can have a configuration which, during use, allows the control-strap to selectively extend around a grip-handle or grip-end 94 of the golf club 90. In particular aspects, at least a portion of the control-strap 60 can be configured to extend along the heel region of the glove, and the control-strap can be configured to operatively contact a thumb-side surface 92 of the grip-end 94 of the golf club. As representatively shown, the thumb-side surface 92 is provided by a portion of the outside surface of the grip handle which faces toward the thumb of the wearer of the glove when the handle is placed in the wearer's open hand for gripping. The control strap can be configured to extend around an edge 35 of the glove heel region 34, and to selectively hook and pass around the butt-end of the grip-handle of the golf club. At least a portion of the control strap can be constructed to pass over the heel-edge 35 of the glove, and extend around to engage the handle of the golf club. Additionally, the control strap can be configured to avoid contacting any inboard regions of the finger portions of the glove when the control strap is employed to engage around the club handle. When thusly employed, the control strap can be configured to contact no more than an outboard, side-edge region of a little-finger portion 28 a of the glove. In a particular feature, the control strap can be configured to extend around the grip-end handle of the golf club along a contact perimeter length that generally corresponds to an arc span of about 180 degrees, or more. Desirably, the control strap can be configured to extend around the grip-end handle of the golf club along a contact perimeter that generally corresponds to a span of at least about 200 degrees of arc.

Accordingly, the control strap 60 can be operatively configured to help hold and maintain the grip-positioning and control of the club handle 94 during the swinging of the golf club. Thus, the glove can advantageously help the wearer keep a desired control of the club. More particularly, the glove can help avoid having to reestablish the proper grip of the club at the top of the backswing.

As representatively shown, the control-strap 60 can have a base section 62 that is operatively affixed to the back-side surface of the glove at an attachment location that is positioned operatively adjacent the heel-edge region 35 of the glove. In a particular aspect, the control-strap can be operatively configured to provide a substantially closed loop. In another aspect, the attachment location of the control-strap can be positioned operatively adjacent the base-end 84 of the adjustment strap 80 of the selected fit-adjustment mechanism. In desired configurations, the attachment location of the control-strap can be positioned closely adjacent or immediately adjacent the base-end 84 of the adjustment strap 80 of the fit-adjustment mechanism. In still another aspect, the attachment location of the control-strap can be positioned on a backside-surface of the fit-adjustment mechanism (e.g. adjustment strap 80). As previously disclosed herein, the control-strap 60 can be constructed from any suitable material. For example, the control-strap can be constructed from leather.

Typically, the control strap 60 is operatively employed when practicing or when playing a non-competitive round of golf. When playing a round of competitive golf, however, it is desirable to selectively stow the control strap in a storage position. Accordingly, the control-strap can further include a strap-storage mechanism which can operatively hold the control-strap in a convenient storage-position. When placed in the storage position, the control-strap 60 does not operatively pass around the grip-end 94 of the golf club.

In a desired feature, at least a portion of the strap-storage mechanism can be operatively affixed to an appointed storage region which is located directly on or indirectly over the back-side 24 of the glove (e.g. FIGS. 2 and 3). A particular aspect of the control-strap can include an operative, storage fastener 64 which can be selectively fastened and unfastened from the back-side region of the glove. Accordingly, the wearer can readily release or store the control-strap by selectively releasing or engaging the storage fastener 64.

The control-strap storage fastener 64 (e.g. 64 a, 64 b) can include any operative fastening mechanism. In a desired arrangement, the storage fastener can include an interengaging mechanical fastener system, having complementary and cooperating fastening components. For example, the fastening mechanism can include any of the fastening systems set forth in the present disclosure. In a desired aspect, the strap-storage mechanism can include a first securement element 64 a operatively affixed to the control-strap, and a second, cooperating securement element 64 b operatively affixed to a back-side surface of the fit-adjustment mechanism.

For example, one of the fastener components or elements can include a hook or other “male” component of the interengaging mechanical fastener system. The fit-adjustment fastener can include any operative fastening mechanism. In a desired arrangement, the closure fastener can include an interengaging mechanical fastener system, having complementary and cooperating fastening components. Suitable fastening components are available from Velcro, U.S.A., Inc., a business having offices located in Manchester, N.H., U.S.A.

As representatively shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the knuckle region 36 of the glove can include a plurality of discrete knuckle-sections 38. In a desired feature, the plurality of discrete knuckle-sections 38 are spaced apart, and are non-contiguous. A further aspect of the glove can include knuckle-indicia 46 which are located along the back-side surface of the glove and positioned at a plurality of two or more of the knuckle-sections 38 of the glove. The knuckle-indicia 46 are at least visibly discernable, and in a desired feature, the knuckle-indicia can be operatively color-contrasted with the other glove material in the knuckle region of the glove.

In another aspect, each of the knuckle-indicia 46 can be configured to operatively define a discernable area of the knuckle-indicia having an elongate and curved area-shape. A particular feature can include a configuration in which the area-shape has an outwardly convex side-edge section 48, and an oppositely located, outwardly concave side-edge section 49. Additionally, each concave edge section can be positioned in an arrangement where the concave edge is concave toward the thumb portion of the glove. As representatively shown, for example, each knuckle-area can have an approximate banana-shape. Additionally, each knuckle-area can have a highly-visible yellow color.

In further aspects of the glove, each of the knuckle-indicia 46 can include a region of the backside glove material which has an aperture 66 formed through the entire thickness of the backside glove material. Additionally, each of the knuckle-indicia 46 can include at least one indicia layer 68 which is operatively affixed to an inwardly-facing, or other interior surface of the glove. In other aspects, at least a portion of each indicia layer 68 can be arranged substantially coextensive with each aperture, and can be configured to be visibly discernable from the back-side glove material. Accordingly, each such portion of indicia layer can be discretely recessed under and readily visible through its corresponding aperture. In other aspects, the aperture can have the elongate and curved area-shape described herein, and the indicia layer can be color-contrasted, with a color and degree of contrast that is readily visible and discernable from other, adjacent portions of the back-side surface of the glove.

The various aspects of the distinctive glove of the invention can advantageously provide a plurality features which can help a person learn or remember a proper grip of a golf club. With reference to FIGS. 4, 5, 5A, and 6, for example, a snuggly-fitted glove can be securely fastened on the appointed glove-hand (the left hand for right-handed golfers, the right hand for left-handers), and the grip-handle of the club can be placed between the first and second indexing lines 40, 42 that run diagonally across the fingers of the glove-hand. As one closes the glove-hand on the grip-handle, the outlined circle on the double-reinforced heel pad will then sit correctly on the grip-handle. Additionally, the color-contrasted, “banana”-shaped knuckle indicia 46 on the back-side of the glove can clearly display the number of knuckles visible during the set-up operation. With a proper grip, the hands should be arranged such that two or three of the banana-shapes are within the wearer's direct line of sight.

To further aid in the forming and maintaining of a proper grip, the control-strap 60 (e.g. in the form of a leather loop) can be deployed to hook around the butt-end of the grip-handle when practicing, or playing a non-competitive round of golf. This feature of the glove can help keep a person from loosening the grip of the club at the top of the backswing, where a firm grip is needed to support the club if one is to hit good shots consistently. If the glove is worn during a competitive round, one may take the control-strap (e.g. leather loop) out of operation by connecting it in its storage position with the representatively shown hook-and-loop type fastener. The basics of forming a correct grip (for right-handed golfers) can, for example, include the following items.

While checking that the clubface is square to the chosen target, set the grip handle of the golf club between the first and second indexing lines and against the base of the heel pad region of the glove worn on the left hand (e.g. FIG. 4). When closing the left hand, the target region 50 should contact the grip handle. The club should feel secure in the fingers, and the grip pressure should be in the last three fingers of the left hand (e.g. FIGS. 5 and 5A). The left thumb should be slightly to the right of center on the grip-handle, and one should see two or three of the knuckle indicia on the back of the glove-hand (e.g. FIG. 6).

The right hand is then brought to a “handshake” position (as if one were preparing to shake hands with another person). The right palm should be parallel to the leading edge of the clubface. When one closes the right hand, the left thumb should fit comfortably in the valley between your right thumb and the heel pad on the right hand, while the right thumb rests left of center on the grip-handle (e.g. FIG. 6).

The grip-handle of the club should be held in the right index finger as if you were gently pulling a trigger. With the right thumb and index finger on either side of the grip handle, one's right-hand grip-pressure will be felt in the forefinger and the ring finger. In the address position, the completed grip should reveal two or three knuckles on the back of the left hand, and the “V”s (shown inverted) formed by the thumbs and forefingers of both hands should point up your right arm and toward the right shoulder.

Those skilled in the art will recognize that the present invention is capable of many modifications and variations without departing from the scope thereof. Accordingly, the detailed description and examples set forth above are meant to be illustrative only and are not intended to limit, in any manner, the scope of the invention as set forth in the appended claims. 

1. A golf glove having a palm-side glove material which provides a palm-side surface; a back-side glove material which provides a back-side surface; a thumb portion; a plurality of finger portions; a wrist region; a wrist-opening edge; a heel region; and a knuckle-region; the glove further comprising: a control-strap which is operatively affixed to the back-side surface of the glove, the control-strap configured to extend around a grip-end of a golf club, with at least a portion of the control-strap configured to extend along the heel region of the glove and contact a thumb-side surface of the grip-end of the golf club.
 2. The golf glove as recited in claim 1, further comprising: a first indexing line located on the palm-side surface of the glove; a second indexing line located on the palm-side surface and spaced from the first indexing line, the first and second indexing lines delimiting a finger-alignment area therebetween; and a grip target-region which is operatively designated on the palm-side surface.
 3. The golf glove as recited in claim 1, wherein the grip target-region is non-conjoined with the finger-alignment area.
 4. The golf glove as recited in claim 3, wherein the grip target-region on the palm-side surface of the glove has a target perimeter.
 5. The golf glove as recited in claim 3, wherein the grip target-region on the palm-side surface of the glove has a target perimeter operatively delimited by a third indexing-line which operatively encloses the target region.
 6. The golf glove as recited in claim 3, wherein the grip target-region on the palm-side surface of the glove is positioned along the heel region of the glove.
 7. The golf glove as recited in claim 1, wherein the second indexing-line is arranged approximately parallel to the first indexing line.
 8. The golf glove as recited in claim 1, wherein the knuckle region of the glove includes a plurality of discrete knuckle-sections; the glove further includes knuckle-indicia located along the back-side surface of the glove and positioned at a plurality of two or more of the knuckle-sections of the glove; and each of the knuckle-indicia operatively defines a knuckle-area having an elongate and curved area-shape, the area-shape having a convex edge section and an oppositely located concave edge section, with each concave edge section is positioned to be concave toward the thumb portion of the glove.
 9. The golf glove as recited in claim 8, wherein each of the knuckle-indicia includes: a region of the backside glove material which has an aperture formed therethrough; and at least one indicia layer which is operatively affixed to an interior surface of the glove, with at least a portion of each indicia layer arranged substantially coextensive with each aperture.
 10. The golf glove as recited in claim 8, wherein each knuckle-area has an approximate banana-shape.
 11. A golf glove having a palm-side glove material which provides a palm-side surface; a back-side glove material which provides a back-side surface; a thumb portion; a plurality of finger portions; a wrist region; a wrist-opening edge; a heel region; and a knuckle-region; the glove further comprising: a control-strap which is operatively affixed to the back-side surface of the glove, the control-strap configured to extend around a grip-end of a golf club, with at least a portion of the control-strap configured to extend along the heel region of the glove and contact a thumb-side surface of the grip-end of the golf club, and said control-strap has a base section that is operatively affixed to the back-side surface of the glove at an attachment location that is positioned operatively adjacent the heel region of the glove.
 12. The golf glove as recited in claim 1, wherein the control-strap is operatively configured to provide a substantially closed loop.
 13. The golf glove as recited in claim 1, wherein the glove includes a wrist-closure mechanism located operatively adjacent the wrist-opening edge of the glove.
 14. The golf glove as recited in claim 1, wherein the glove includes a fit-adjustment mechanism which is spaced from the wrist-opening edge of the glove, and is located between the wrist-opening edge of the glove and the knuckle region of the glove.
 15. The golf glove as recited in claim 1, wherein the glove includes a wrist-closure mechanism closure located operatively adjacent the wrist-opening edge of the glove; and a fit-adjustment mechanism located between the wrist-closure mechanism and the knuckle region of the glove.
 16. A golf glove having a palm-side glove material which provides a palm-side surface; a back-side glove material which provides a back-side surface; a thumb portion; a plurality of finger portions; a wrist region; a wrist-opening edge; a heel region; and a knuckle-region; the glove further comprising: a control-strap which is operatively affixed to the back-side surface of the glove, the control-strap configured to extend around a grip-end of a golf club, with at least a portion of the control-strap configured to extend along the heel region of the glove and contact a thumb-side surface of the grip-end of the golf club; the glove includes a fit-adjustment mechanism which is spaced from the wrist-opening edge of the glove, and is located between the wrist-opening edge and the knuckle region of the glove; the fit-adjustment mechanism includes an adjustment strap member having an operatively fixed base-end and a selectively movable free-end; the control-strap has at least one base section that is operatively affixed to the back-side surface of the glove at an attachment location that is positioned operatively adjacent the heel region of the glove; and the attachment location of the control-strap is positioned operatively adjacent the base-end of the adjustment strap of the fit-adjustment mechanism.
 17. The golf glove as recited in claim 1, wherein the attachment location of the control-strap is positioned on a backside-surface of the fit-adjustment mechanism.
 18. The golf glove as recited in claim 1, wherein the control-strap further includes a strap-storage mechanism which can operatively hold the control-strap in a storage-position.
 19. The golf glove as recited in claim 18, wherein the glove includes a fit-adjustment mechanism located between the wrist-opening edge of the glove and the knuckle region of the glove; and the strap-storage mechanism includes a first securement element operatively affixed to the control-strap, and a second cooperating securement element operatively affixed to a back-side surface of the fit-adjustment mechanism.
 20. The golf glove as recited in claim 16 wherein the control-strap is operatively configured to provide a substantially closed loop. 